Hard Hit (IceCats 3)

“Damn it, that sucks.”

Chandler exhales loudly. “Yeah, I’m worried for him.”

I nod. “Me too.”

“So is his mom. From what Amelia said, her mom was saying that his mom is pushing for him to be sent back home.”

I cringe. “Not good when the owner of another team is trying that.”

“Nope. Apparently, his dad is pissed at her and says to give him a chance to figure it out, but it’s not looking good. He isn’t handling everything well, and I’m sure it doesn’t help when his twin brother is tearing the ice up like it’s nothing.”

“Exactly,” I agree, shaking my head. “I like him a lot.”

“Oh, Evan? Shit, forget about it. That kid is the most amazing dude ever. Super kind but also super soft-spoken. In his defense, though, the whole family is loud as fuck.”

I grin. “I heard.”

“You should have seen the wedding. His sister, Shelli, basically put on a concert for her husband. It was so over the top, but that’s the Adlers. Over the top. Minus Evan. He’s not like them. He’s quiet.”

Which is part of the problem. He wants to be like his family. “I hope he makes it.”

“Me too. I like him way more than Owen.”

I snort. “Owen is cool.”

“He’s a show-off.”

“True, but still a good kid.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m just glad I don’t have to deal with them as much anymore. They still come over and steal food, but at least I can walk around my house naked again.”

I chuckle as I keep my eyes on the ice. Chandler bought out the lease of the tenants at Amelia’s old place near where they live and put the boys there. They’re currently building on to their house since Amelia is pregnant with their third kid. I suggested they get a new home, but Chandler wants to stay in the place where he fell in love with Amelia. It’s cute but completely irrational. Three kids in a beach house? I wouldn’t do it. Shit, I have issues and fear with only Celeste in my house. I worry she’ll fall off the porch or drown in the ocean. The fear is great with just one kid. Three? No way. I would be a basket case.

“How is everything going at your place? Heard you got a new girlfriend.”

I grin at the mention of Jaylin. I don’t know if we’re officially official, but I fucking want to be. I just can’t get enough of her. I enjoy her immensely, and I love watching her with Celeste. She’s just, she’s… Shit, she rocks me like I’ve been hit by the biggest defensemen on the ice. An endless hard hit. Over and over again, and I take it. I crave it. Fuck, I’m falling hard.

“Things are great, Celeste is getting bigger, and Jean is fantastic.”

“Is she? Good. Dart says she’s hot.”

“Dart better keep his dick in his pants.”

Chandler laughs. “That seems to be hard for that kid.”

“Get him a chastity belt, then.”

More laughter. “He isn’t my problem. I think he might be yours. Didn’t you take responsibility for all three?”

“Shit, I think I did,” I say grudgingly, and I’m met with more laughter. “I’ll order him one off Amazon.”

“Good plan.”

“I thought so,” I say with a grin, but I don’t miss the knowing look in his eyes.

“And what about this gorgeous lady I’ve heard about a few times? Isn’t she Nico’s girl’s best friend?”

I shrug. “Maybe.”

“Name? Or are we completely ignoring this conversation?”

“Jaylin.”

“Jaylin? Pretty. Is she good with Celeste?”

My shoulders drop as my heart explodes. “She’s incredible.”

“She good to you?”

I beam. “Real good.”

“Good,” he says, smacking me and then cupping my shoulder. “Then she’s a keeper.”

We share a long look. I’ve always respected Chandler. He doesn’t say much, but what he does say comes from his heart. He’s a good man, and knowing he only cares for Celeste’s and my happiness makes him an even greater man. He’s pussy-whipped by that wife of his, but I can’t hate on him for it. I want more than anything to be pussy-whipped, in a good way, by Jaylin.

Hell, I’ll get her the whip off Amazon too. I’ll have that shit in two days with Prime.

I grin at the thought as I look around to see if anyone is watching. We aren’t supposed to be on our phones up here. We are supposed to watch the game so we can be included in the locker room discussion, but I have to text Jaylin.

Me: Hey, I’m ordering Dart a chastity belt. Want me to grab you a whip?

Jaylin: …I have so many questions.

Me: Like?

Jaylin: 1. Aren’t you supposed to be watching the game and not placing Amazon orders? You get enough. I had to help Jean bring in some boxes today.

I grin.

Me: My addiction to Amazon is my addiction. Overlook it, just as I overlook your need for shoes.